officials in cairo are concerned about growing confrontations. arriva reporting for nbc news, cairo. >>> meantime in the west bank, scientists are studying the remains of yasser arafat. looking for more clues on the actual cause of his death. arafat died in 2004 after suddenly becoming ill on what was initially caused by a stroke. the investigation was sparked over findings of radioactive material on his clothes and many palestinians believe arafat was assassinated by the israeli government using poison which the government denies. >>> new progress on capitol hill as some republicans may be willing to back off an old pledge not to raise taxes. this is ahead of trying to avoid the fiscal cliff. we have tracie potts with details from washington. >> reporter: today, president obama meets with small business leaders. a new white house economic report warns if tax breaks go away, the average middle class family will owe uncle sam $2,200 next year. >> middle class families should see an extension of the tax cuts. >> reporter: some republicans who have